The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-02-25

More as matter of form than anything
else, for he knew his case was hopeless Math-
ers formally asked the hand of the signorina
in marriage, laying the blame Of his irregu-
lar declaration on the strength of his pas
sion and his ignorance OF Italian tan etiquette.
surveyed him from head to foot with look
of contempt.
ut is piece of gross presumption in you
a mere clerk, a nObody-tO address my
daughter" said the count at last in English
with his chin in the air.
"0f course" said Tommy, bitterly, stung
by the counts look. IF | were partner in
Hadgson's, though, you would Igive me
different answer"
III you were partner IN Messrs. Hodg-
with an altered expression, "that would
make difference, of course; but as do not
undertand that you have any prospect of
entering that firm don't see how that affects
you"
Tommy sighed, and made his escape as
soon as possible. He knew that he might as
well ask for the lord chancellorship in the
bank.
For two days he remained in state of
collapse, and then he received advices from
LONDON informing him Of the decision to
which the firm had come with respect to the
new branch, A few months before Mathers
would have been transported with delight
at the proposal which the firm made to him;
but now he considered that he was getting
barely his due, and then he was so cut up
with respect to the beautiful Maria that mere
commercial matters did not possess their
usual interest for him.
Suddenly, as he sat with the open letter
bearing the well known signature before
him, Tommy conceived an idea.
Without moments delay he called Tor his
bill at the hotel, sent waiter for q cab, and
took the first train northward. He arrived
at Victoria early in the morning, went to
hotel, washed and dressed himself, and pur-
posely delaying until the partners should
have reached the office in St Swithin's lane,
he presented himself before his employers as
they were engaged in discussing the morn
ing's letters.
Hello, sirP, cried Mr.. Hodgson, as he
you doing here? Anything wrongP"
Nothing is wrong that know of, sir"
said the young man, coolly.
Then why are you here without leave!'
asked the junior partner. Didn't you get
our letter informing you of our new arrange
ments?"
Il did, Mr. Parr. 1t is in consequence of
that letter that | am here" This was said
with considerable gravity, and Tommy
helped himself to chair as he spoke. 81
am afraid, sir," he continued, shat cannot
accept the situation you were good enough
Don't then" burst out old Mr. Hodgson,
in great wrath at the tone which the young
man was assuming. "Well find fifty clerks
ready to jump at it.5OO for that matter"
You forget, said Tommy, respectfully,
but firmly, that / have been in Turin for
some time. know the business there; and
what l came here to propose was that |
should have small share in the firm"
Mr. Parr stared and calculated, ''What,
sir?"
Mr. Dunford laughed aloud and then
swore.
Mr.. Hodgson choked aad gasped for
breath.
If a shell had burst in the room. it could
not have occasioned more surprise than
Tommy's modest request. If the sweeper at
the next crossing had demanded to be al
lowed to help himself from the drawers I'M
der the counter, it would not have seemed so
absurd as this demand of the junior clerk.
"Of course, having no capital, expect
only very small share in the business"
continued Tommy; 'but you will see that as
Count Marsonis son-in-law" -
what! What! What do you say?" echoed
the partners in various infections
"As Count MarsOni's son-in-law should
be able to influence a large amount of bust
ness, and it would be more fitting If my
name appeared in the name of the branch
firm.
do you mean to say that you are going to
marry. that young lady, Count Marsonis
daughter" said Mr.. Hodgson, with wonder,
incredulity, and tinge of newborn respect
for his clerk mingling in his countenance.
1T is as good as settled sir" said Tommy,
modestly. ''0f course this is private mat
ter, but it is one that would naturally be
taken into account" This was quite evident,
and Tommy, having made his shot, rose,
bowed, and withdrew.
Before half an hour had passed the firm
had taken their resolution. The share which
Tommy was given represented little more
than a somewhat liberal salary, but he was
included as partner in the branch firm of
Hodgson, Dunfold, Mathers & Co. of Turin.
As soon as the partnership deed was drawn
up and executed Tommy returned to Italy,
and had another interview with the count
who, imagining that he had misconceived
politeness itself. The young partner in the
wealthy house of English bankers was one
who might without improperly be presented
to society as his daughters husband. With
in three months the marriage was celebrated.
Tommy had done the trick.